Podcast: "Rock The Boat" (The BackBeat)

This week on The BackBeat, we get into Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated new album Blond, which has caused quite the commotion in the music industry. Find out what we love about the album. We also celebrate Aaliyah’s musical legacy after the 15th year anniversary of her passing. Finally, we commend Questlove for his new position as the first ever artist and strategic ambassador for Pandora. We can’t wait to tune in to his new radio program called Questlove Supreme on the streaming site.

Stay tuned to our Songs of the Moment. Kyera picks her favorite tracks from Frank Ocean while Marcus chooses cuts from Ocean’s album Blonde, The Get Down, and Janelle Monae. ENJOY!

Song of the Day: "PrimeTime" (Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel)

"PrimeTime" - Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel

• Composers: Charles Joseph II,  Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III, Roman GianArthur Irvin, Miguel Pimentel, Janelle Monáe Robinson
• Record Label: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Wondaland Arts Societ
• Released in 2013 from The Electric Lady

Podcast: "The BackBeat: Don't Call It A Come Back" (The BackBeat)

This week, we get back into our soundbites starting with NWA’s biopic Straight Outta Compton, our thoughts on JoJo’s compact with her Tringle, Beyoncé’s “stringy hair” Atlantic article and Black Twitter’s response as well as how we are totally here for Janelle Monae and her movement.

Also we get into Lil B’s discussion of Black Lives Matters on CNN, Azealia Bank’s bad contract and response to Nicki Minaj’s wax figure, Fetty Wap dominating the summer, as well as Aretha Franklin’s highly anticipated biopic with Jennifer Hudson loosely attached to stars.

And make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our favorite songs of the moment.

Podcast: "The BackBeat: Don't Call It A Come Back" (The BackBeat)

This week, we get back into our soundbites starting with NWA’s biopic Straight Outta Compton, our thoughts on JoJo’s compact with her Tringle, Beyoncé’s “stringy hair” Atlantic article and Black Twitter’s response as well as how we are totally here for Janelle Monae and her movement.

Also we get into Lil B’s discussion of Black Lives Matters on CNN, Azealia Bank’s bad contract and response to Nicki Minaj’s wax figure, Fetty Wap dominating the summer, as well as Aretha Franklin’s highly anticipated biopic with Jennifer Hudson loosely attached to stars.

And make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear our favorite songs of the moment.

New Video: "Yoga" (Janelle Monáe ft. Jideena)

Earlier today Janelle Monáe released her new video for Jidenna assisted new single "Yoga," which is Janelle's first new release from her new deal with Epic and as my friend Christopher remarked about the song and visual, it has "enough ass for the freaks, but enough consciousness for the geeks."

With that said, the visual is rather fitting for Janelle's latest foray and I can't wait to hear what else she has cooking for us as Ms. Monáe never disappoints in my book. Therefore, peep the video below for "Yoga" and Enjoy!

New Joint: "Yoga" (Janelle Monáe ft. Jideena)

Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Records is off to a great start with the buzz rising about the group's forthcoming EP Eephus due out this May. Led off by Jideena's "Classic Man," the set's second offering "Yoga," which is led by Janelle Monáe and features Jideena, is even better than "Classic Man" in my opinion.

While the date of Eephus's release is unclear, the set will feature joints from all of Wondaland's artists including Roman GianArthur, Alex Belle and Isis Valentino of St. Beauty, Jidenna, Nate Wonder and Chuck Lighting of Deep Cotton and more.

With that said, take a listen below to Janelle Monáe's banger "Yoga" and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "PrimeTime" (Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel)

"PrimeTime" - Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel

• Composers: Charles Joseph II,  Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III, Roman GianArthur Irvin, Miguel Pimentel, Janelle Monáe Robinson
• Record Label: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Wondaland Arts Societ
• Released in 2013 from The Electric Lady

New Video: "Electric Lady" (Janelle Monáe)

Earlier today, Janelle Monáe lifted the latest video from her album The Electric Lady, in the form of the album's title track. Released as the latest single from her sublime body of work, the official music visual for "Electric Lady" features a college Greek life themed visual with Janelle being a part of a sorority herself.

Featuring cameos by Estelle, Esperanza Spalding, Monica, Kimbra, T-Boz, and TI, the official video for "Electric Lady" is a fun and funky visual that takes a lot of us back to our college days. Peep Janelle's new video for "Electric Lady" below and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Heroes" (Janelle Monáe)

This past Wednesday, Janelle Monáe appeared on CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman to help celebrate the kickoff of FIFA's 2014 World Cup in Brazil and of course Janelle offered up a powerhouse performance in her traditional black-and-white motif.

Opting to perform her cover of David Bowie's classic hit "Heroes," which she recorded for Pepsi's visual album Beats of the Beautiful Game album, Janelle continues to prove why she is heralded as one of music's most promising current artists as she continues to improve as her career matures.

With that said, peep Janelle Monáe's sublime performance of "Heroes" from The Late Show with David Letterman below and Enjoy!

Award Nominations 2014 BET Awards

BET announced the nominations for the 2014 BET Awards with nominations being announced in 20 categories spanning the fields of television, film, music and sports.

Beyoncé, Jay Z and Drake of lead the field with five nominations each, while Pharrell Williams and August Alsina follow with four nominations.


The 2014 BET Awards are slated to air live on Sunday, June 29th at 8pm ET on BET  from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, completing the second annual BET Experience.

Peep the full list of nominees below:

New Video: "Heroes" (Janelle Monáe)

Janelle Monáe covered David Bowie's classic "Heroes," for Pepsi's new fútbol campaign that has been gearing up for the World cup and after the promotional commercial which featured said song, an official video for Janelle's cover has hit the net.

Lifted as the first single from Pepsi's Beats of the Beautiful Game album, it seems as if Pepsi has been inspired by Beyoncé as the company gets ready to release their visual soundtrack including 11 songs and accompanying music videos/short films.

With that said, this video was directed by Alyssa Pankiw and features Janelle as a comic book character aiding in confidence building of several school kids.

Therefore, peep the official video for Janelle's cover of Bowie's "Heroes" below and lookout for Pepsi's Beats of the Beautiful Game album when it hits stores June 10th with contributions from the likes of Kelly Rowland, Rita Ora, Timbaland, Don Omar and Santigold.

Amazing Cover: "Heroes" (Janelle Monàe)

Janelle Monáe not only lent her talents to the upcoming movie Rio 2, but she's also made her way down to Rio de Janiero as the featured artist for Pepsi's global 2014 futbol campaign Now Is What You Make It.

Starring in a new commercial that will debut in over 100 counties, the commercial features apperances from Pepsi's  all-star soccer lineup, including Robin van Persie, David Lutz, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Aguero, Jack Wilshire and four-time player of the year Leo Messi.

With that said, Janelle covered the David Bowie joint  "Heroes" and speaking with Rolling Stone about the opportunity, Janelle stated that "Bowie is part of my musical DNA in so many ways.... [and] 'Heroes’ is one of my favorite Bowie songs. When you love your favorite song, you want to keep some of the beautiful qualities of the original, but we brought Atlanta in the drums and wanted them to be thick and hit hard. It’s like us reimagining it. I thought, If this song was in my dream, how would it get from our dream to my reality?"

Therefore, peep her commercial and Janelle's amazing cover of "Heroes" and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "PrimeTime" (Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel)

"PrimeTime" - Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel

• Composers: Charles Joseph II,  Dr. Nathaniel Irvin III, Roman GianArthur Irvin, Miguel Pimentel, Janelle Monáe Robinson
• Record Label: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Wondaland Arts Societ
• Released in 2013 from The Electric Lady

Live Clip: "What Is Love?" (Janelle Monáe)

Earlier this week, Janelle Monáe appeared on American Idol to help promote the forthcoming animated film Rio 2 and during her time on the FOX reality singing competition, Janelle performed her new joint "What Is Love," which is featured on the official soundtrack to the animated sequel to Rio.

Featuring colorful vignettes from the film and a splash of color confetti at the end, Janelle's uptempo joint "What Is Love?" electrified the American Idol stage earlier this week and if you missed it like me, or want to catch it again, watch it go down below!

New Video: "What Is Love" (Janelle Monáe)

Earlier this week, Janelle Monáe released a new joint "What Is Love," which is the official theme song and lead single for the soundtrack to the Forthcoming animated movie RIO 2, which is slated for release in theaters April 11th.

With that said, also earlier this week, Janelle release the official music video to the feel good jam and while it features her in the studio with her band performing the song, I'm just glad we have some new Janelle Monáe material because I've been wearing The Electric Lady album out.

Therefore, peep the official video to Janelle's "What Is Love" below and lookout for the official soundtrack for RIO 2, when it's released on March 25th ahead of the film's April 12th release!

New Joint: What Is Love" (Janelle Monáe)

Janelle Monáe is already set to bring her voice to the big screen with the upcoming animated film Rio 2, due April 11th and the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter has also lent her voice to the official soundtrack to the film with a new joint entitled "What Is Love."

Inspired by Brazil's Carnival, the island flavored joint from Ms. Monáe is a great treat and is a winner in my book. With that said, take a listen below to "What Is Love" and lookout for Janelle to perform it on American Idol on March 27th, ahead of the film's release but right after the soundtrack lands on March 25th!

Amazing Cover: "Simply Irresistible" (Janelle Monáe)

To honor last night's Oscars, E! commissioned Janelle Monáe, Charli XCX, The Royal Concept, and Fitz & the Tantrums to all offer up their own unique takes on the Robert Palmer classic "Simply Irresistible."

Featured as one of the numerous renditions that was playing during E!'s Live from the Red Carpet soundtrack for last night's Oscars, Janelle let loose on her cover of "Simply Irresistible" and I wouldn't mind hearing her do a live performance of this.

Taking to Twitter to open up about her cover, Janelle stated that "I had so much fuuuun reimagining this song for E’s #Oscars coverage #robertpalmer #simplyirresistible JAM."

With that said, take a listen below in its entirety to Janelle Monáe's sublime cover of Robert Palmer's infectious classic "Simply Irresistible" and Enjoy!

Set: "Super Bowl Blitz Concert" (Janelle Monáe)

Earlier tonight, Janelle Monáe performed a sublime set in NYC to help continue/kick-off the momentum for the Super Bowl during VH1's Super Bowl Blitz Concert.

Featuring such songs as "Dance Apocalyptic," "Q.U.E.E.N.," "Electric Lady," her breakout hit single "Tightrope," and her sublime ballad "PrimeTime," the Electric Lady proves why she is one of the most underrated artists out today and is a legend in the making.

Watch Janelle Monáe's sublime set from VH1's Super Bowl Blitz Concert below and Enjoy!

Award Nominations: 2014 BRIT Awards

The 2014 BRIT Awards announced their nominees earlier today and some of our favorites including Janelle Monáe, James Blake, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Laura Mvula, Birdy, Disclosure and Sam Smith got some love from the nominating committee.

 The 2014 BRIT Awards are slated to air live from London's O2 Arena on February 19, with performances currently from Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and Arctic Monkeys, though I hope Sam Smith and Laura Mvula get added to the lineup.

With that said, peep the official nominations below and lookout for the award show when it airs on February 19th.

Year End Favorite Albums: 2013

2013 appeared to be a year or resurgence when it came to soulful sounds on the charts. While is has been noted that not a single Black artist topped the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist during 2013, even though soulful sounds were clearly making a comeback and topping the charts (see Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Macklemore, etc.), that didn't mean that great music from Black artists didn't hit the airwaves and the charts.

While a lot of great records were released within 2013, these 5, ok 6, as well as the honorable mentions stood out to me as some of the best vocal, sonic, and lyrical work to debut this year. The list is not numerical in order of "most favorite" as the field this year was so tight and definitely offered a variety of great albums depending on your mood. Some artists had strong comebacks this year (Tamar Braxton; Fantasia; some would argue Beyoncé), others were brought more into the mainstream with solid debuts (Laura Mvula, K. Michelle), and one artist "reintroduced" herself with a blaring empowered LP that warrants further attention as we enter into 2014 (Janelle Monáe). Peep the list below and in addition to several honorable mentions.